Synthesis and physical properties of superconducting compound films formed by the electron-beam codeposition of the elements

Electron-beam codeposition of the elements to form certain high critical temperature superconducting materials, in particular A-15 compounds, has proven to be very useful in research directed at understanding and improving their superconducting properties. This work has used the close control of three or more evaporant sources to reproducibly make specimens that permit studies across selected regions of composition and phase space. The effect of composition and phase, together with the temperature and rate of deposition, on the growth morphology and superconducting properties has been studied. The superconducting properties measured include the critical temperature, ac loss, critical current density, and tunnel junction characteristics. The particular compounds studied include Nb3Sn, Nb3Ge, and V3Si.